"I don't understand this whole furore"

It’s all they’re talking about it Italy. And they’re panicking. The possibility that Spain and Croatia draw, leaving the Azzurri out of the tournament even if they beat Ireland, is alive and kicking. However, Demetrio Albertini, vice-president of the Italian FA and former player of Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, is trying to calm Italian nerves as much as he can.

“I don’t doubt Spain’s football. I believe in the integrity and the honesty of all the players. I also believe in the Croats, but I’m talking about Spain in particular because I know them very well.”

Demetrio is a close friend of some Barcelona players, such as Iniesta and the injured Puyol: “I don’t need to call in any favours. I don’t need to say anything. I don’t understand this whole furore. Spain are the best, they are the reigning champions and they don’t know how to speculate and come out looking for a draw.”

Italians still remember the draw between Sweden and Denmark in 2004 that knocked them out: “Everyone is talking about it, but it won’t come back to haunt us. We also need to think about winning our game - that’s what’s most important.”